Liverpool's Chance to Sign Ibrahim Mbaye Grows

Liverpool’s pursuit of Ibrahim Mbaye has just been handed a significant boost – thanks to a record-breaking offer from Borussia Dortmund for somebody else.

Dortmund go all-in on El Mala

Sky Germany report that Dortmund are preparing a €55m bid for Said El Mala after the teenager agreed personal terms with the club. Florian Plettenberg revealed the move, which would make El Mala the most expensive signing in Dortmund’s history if Köln accept.

El Mala was one of the standout young players in the Bundesliga last season, widely viewed as second only to Yan Diomande in terms of teenage impact. His performances for Köln were outstanding, his reputation only slightly dimmed by Diomande stealing so many of the headlines.

Dortmund see El Mala as a major development project and are now “all-in” on getting the deal done.

Door opens for Liverpool and Mbaye

That aggressive push has clear consequences elsewhere. Dortmund had also been in the race for Ibrahim Mbaye, the highly rated Paris Saint-Germain winger who has caught the eye of several top clubs, including Liverpool.

The Bundesliga side admire Mbaye and had viewed him as an alternative if they failed to land El Mala. If this €55m bid for the Köln star is accepted, it is seen as highly unlikely that Dortmund would then commit a similar outlay on Mbaye.

That scenario would leave Liverpool in a commanding position.

The Reds have already moved strongly for the Senegalese teenager, who is regarded as an exceptional talent with the kind of ceiling that can take a player to the elite level. His profile makes obvious sense at Anfield. There is a natural on-paper partnership with Rio Ngumoha, and among young right-wingers, few look better suited to eventually stepping into the space Mohamed Salah will one day leave behind.

Not immediately. But in time. Mbaye has that sort of potential.

Anfield advantage

Recent reports suggested Liverpool had muscled their way to the front of the queue for Mbaye, with Dortmund their most serious competition. If the German club complete their record move for El Mala, that competition effectively disappears.

Liverpool would then stand largely alone at the head of the line for one of Europe’s most exciting young wide players.

For the Anfield recruitment team, it is exactly the kind of market break they hope for. And if Dortmund’s record bid lands El Mala, it could be the moment that nudges Mbaye firmly towards Merseyside.